Representing the largest aperture in the series and drawing in more light to see deeper into space than smaller versions, Celestron's NexStar 8SE 203mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope is a powerful yet portable scope that can be used for observing everything from the Moon and planets to deep-sky objects like stars, galaxies, and nebulae, while maintaining the user-friendly interface of the SE series. Using Celestron's proprietary StarBright XLT multi-coating system, light transmission is increased throughout the entire optical path with anti-reflection multi-coated lenses, highly reflective multi-coated mirrors, and crown optical glass elements. While the focal ratio is a relatively slow f/10, the mount's precision tracking system allows it to be a competent shorter-exposure astrophotography imaging platform for the Moon and planets.

Driving the dual servo motors on the mount is the brain of the NexStar 8SE: The iconic NexStar+ computer hand controller. Packed with 40,000+ celestial objects, it can hold up to 100 additional user-defined destinations and is updatable via the Celestron website. It has multiple alignment procedures to get you observing fast, including the super-easy SkyAlign system. Capable of being used in the northern or southern hemispheres, the NexStar has sidereal, lunar, and solar tracking speeds to accurately follow near and deep-sky objects, plus nine slew speeds and the ability to automatically trigger a camera's shutter release for Fastar or piggyback wide-field photography or conventional prime-focus astrophotography.

203mm Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope    2032mm Focal Length, f/10 Focal Ratio    StarBright XLT Optical Coating System    Single-Fork Motorized GoTo Alt-Az Mount    25mm Eyepiece and StarPointer Finder    SkyAlign Alignment Technology    NexStar+ Computer Hand Controller    40,000+ Object Database with Sky Tours    Stainless Steel Tripod

• 8" (203.2mm) aperture
• f/10 focal ratio
• 2032mm focal length
• Crown optical glass primary mirror
• StarBright XLT optical coatings: Multi-layer aluminum/SiO2 (quartz)/TiO2 (titanium dioxide) mirror coatings with flat reflectivity across the light spectrum for both astrophotography/astroimaging and visual observation
• Multi-layer MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide) anti-reflective lens coatings
• High-transmission water white glass corrector lens with 97.4% light transmission
• Internal focusing mechanism
• Resolution: 0.69 arcsec (Rayleigh); 0.57 arcsec (Dawes)
• Secondary mirror obstruction: 2.5"; 31% by diameter; 9.77% by area
• Fastar capability: Secondary mirror can be removed and a DSLR or imaging rig mounted in its place for fast wide-field astrophotography

• 2-line, 16-character LCD display
• 19 fiber optic backlit red LED buttons
• Database of over 40,000 celestial objects plus 100 user defined
• Automatically slew to planets, stars, constellations, and a variety of catalogs
• Camera control: For piggyback wide-field or conventional astrophotography through the optical tube assembly, the controller can automatically trigger the shutter release to capture the image
• Anti-backlash compensation programs out play between gears for more precise tracking
• Tour Mode: Shows a selection of the most popular objects for the time and date you are observing
• Constellation Tour: Allows you to take a tour of all the best objects within a particular constellation
• Alignment procedures: SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star, 1-Star, 2-Star, and Solar System
• SkyAlign alignment: Takes minutes, with minimal effort or experience—point the telescope at three bright objects in the sky, and the telescope does the rest
• Nine slew speeds: 5°/sec, 3°/sec, 1°/sec, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, and 64x
• Sidereal, Solar, and Lunar tracking rates for observing the fast-moving Moon, to slower-moving deep-space subjects
• Tracking modes: Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South, Off (no tracking when using as a terrestrial spotting scope)
• RS-232 communication port allows for computer control
• Flash updatable via the Celestron website

• Solar system objects including the Sun, Moon, and planets
• Named objects
• Stars: Asterims, variable stars, double stars, named stars
• Caldwell catalog
• Messier catalog
• NGC catalog
• SAO catalog
• Constellations

Mount:

• Single-fork alt-az
• Dual-axis servo motors allow for precise tracking with virtually no vibration
• Motor resolution: 0.26 arcsec
• Optical encoders track mount movement to improve tracking and GoTo accuracy while allowing the mount to maintain alignment when moved manually
• Communication ports: Autoguider port, Aux port, hand controller
• Runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries or optional 12 VDC power supply

• Stainless steel legs
• Adjustable height accommodates a variety of observation positions or users
• Tray holds accessories such as eyepieces and filters and adds stability and vibration reduction
• Weight: 10 pounds

Eyepiece:

• 1.25"-diameter barrel
• 25mm focal length produces 81x magnification
• Anti-reflection multi-coated glass improves color rendition and contrast
• Threaded barrel accepts most 1.25" astronomical filters
• Fold-down rubber eyecup for use with or without eyeglasses
• 33' field of view at 1000 yards

• 1.25" input and output accepts most 1.25" astronomical eyepieces and accessories
• 90° angle puts head in a comfortable position when observing at or near the zenith
• Corrects view horizontally, but not vertically

• Projects a single red dot in line of sight
• Unmagnified view ensures a wide field of view to make finding objects faster and star-hopping navigation easier

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can the telescope be used with the Sky Safari App or only the Celestron SkyPortal?

A: Yes, the NexStar Evolution has the built-in WiFi so you can use that with the SkyPortal app. I can not confirm the use of Sky Safari, as that is another company.

Q: 2. Does this come with a case for storage/moving it?

A: I bought a padded bag with shoulder straps that holds my 8se/tripod/mount for $94.

Q: 3. I would like to know.. if this suitable for astrophotography?.. like it will move or follow a certain location?.. thank you!

A: It really depends on what you are trying to photograph. For the sun and the moon, you can get some good photos. Anything else you will not. The 6 mirror is too small for planets and nebula in my opinion. Also, the drive will follow the movement of the sky, but not good enough for smaller objects. You really need a wedge for that and that costs about $300 extra. Also, to take photos of the sun, you have to have a filter. I bought the 7.5 Thousand Oak solar filter and have gotten some good photos of the sun. So to finish, good for moon and sun, not for anything else.

Q: 4. Does this scope come with a hand controller?

A: Yes it comes with the hand controller but I have never used it, I always use the app to control my scope.

Q: 5. Is the Sky CD Software only compatible with Windows? Thanks.

A: I believe so. It has been about a year but we have a Mac and I think I had to go to work to get the info. Should not be a factor though.

Q: 6. Adapters for Olympus camera

A: I would need to know exactly what Olympus Camera you have to make the proper adapter recommendation. Can you please provide that information?

Q: 7. what kind of adapter do you need to connect Sony a6000? Thank you

A: Sorry, I dont know. I have a Canon 5d mark3 that I plan to use with it but havent had the chance yet. Good luck.

Q: 8. What adapters available for attaching a camera to this telescope?

A: That depends on what camera. For a Canon you need a T Adapter, 93633-A and SLR camara adapter 93419. If you intend on using eyepieces with your camera you may want to get the extender, 93643.

Q: 9. will it mount to a Advanced VX?

A: Yes. All of the Celestron SCT, Matsukov-Cassegrain, and other catadipotric optiocal tube assemblies use the same dovetail mounting method.

Q: 10. Can I use a 2" Eyepiece with this scope?

A: Yes, you can use 2" eyepieces with the proper 2" SCT Diagonal. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425415-REG/Celestron_93527_90_Degree_Mirror_Diagonal_2.html